The winning run may have been ended today by table-toppers
Portsmouth, but the unbeatable defensive record continued with Reading's
seventh league fixture without conceeding a goal. The run has seen Matthew
Upson at the heart of the defence during each of those games - and this
was his last game for the Royals today as he completed a superb loan spell
before returning to Arsenal. Upson was as solid as ever today, but there
were plenty of signs for all to see that we certainly don't rely on him.
We'll miss him, but thankfully we'll be hanging on to Hahnemann, Murty,
Williams, and Shorey who should continue to make Reading's defence a near
unbeatable barrier to other first Division sides. All of these players
had excellent games today but were overshadowed by man-of-the-match James
Harper who had a stunning game with Watson starting the game from the
bench.

The sold out Madejski Stadium should have gone home
satisfied with the entertainment despite the lack of goals. It wasn't
a boring 0-0 - in fact it was a lively top of the table clash between
two sides that were willing to play the game at a fast pace. The attendance
of nearly twenty three and a half thousand filled the Madejski Stadium
to make it the biggest crowd to see a Reading FC fixture at their new
home, and they perhaps should have seen a Reading win as the Royals claimed
the majority of the chances and came closest to finding the back of the
net. Right from the start we were reminded that Portsmouth are a side
at the top of the Division as they made it hard for Reading to run the
midfield like they have over other opposition recently. It was instantly
a tight encounter with no room to move for both sides as the tackles went
flying in and the ball was being played around at quite a pace. Both defences
were clearly solid and there were few chances at either end.

James Harper stood out for the Royals with some excellent
tackles and some great balls played right across the park that successfully
found their target - one of his best ever games in the hooped shirt. The
introduction of Ricky Newman in midfield in place of Watson saw Reading
look that bit harder and more aggressive as we continued to challenge
for every ball and prevent Portsmouth from ever settling down. Reading's
continued pressure on the ball saw Portsmouth scramble balls forward and
fail to build any real moves together. They won a few free kicks on the
edge of the box but wasted them as they were miles away from the target.
The only effort requiring a Hahnemann save was a free-kick that only found
the target after deflected off the Reading wall.

Reading looked like they'd stamp their superiority
on the game as the first half came to an end. Perhaps if we'd had another
ten minutes at the end of the first half we would have won this game as
we started to look more and more dangerous finding gaps in the away side's
defence. Reading had the better chances overall and so nearly took the
lead during the last ten minutes of the first half when they controlled
the game. James Harper played in an excellent free-kick from the Reading
left that was just over the crossbar and Nicky Forster came to life after
at last managing to break past the two players that continued to mark
him. He had one shot just over when perhaps he should have cut it back
for Hughes who would have surely found the back of the net from close
range. A Forster cross from the other side confused the defence and Salako's
effort was well held by Hislop on the line.

The second half saw fewer chances for either side.
There was more of a feeling that the game could still go either way -
it was obvious a single goal would win it if it came. Portsmouth continued
to mis-hit it up front by threatened to break through on a number of occassions
as they looked more dangerous as the second half went on. Once they broke
clean through and seemed certain to score but the shot ended up closer
to the corner flag than the back of the net much to our relief. Any crosses
put in were few and few between and easily claimed by Hahnemann in the
Reading goal. To Pardew's massive credit he continued to chase the full
three points and we ended up playing 4-4-2 in persuit of the single goal
that would win the game. Reading finished with Forster, Cureton and Butler
all on the pitch in an attempt to find the winner. But in the end it was
a good point for both sides but Reading may consider themselves unlucky
not to take the full three points. Graham

Following report from John Wells:
There is no doubt in my mind now that Reading are serious contenders for
a play-off place. Today the strongest team in this division by far came
to the Madejski Stadium and were a little lucky to come away with a point.
Pompey have players of the highest quality and have scored more goals
than any other team in the division but today they were completely stifled
by Reading's superb defensive organisation. Steadier finishing would have
given the Royals all three points. Everyone will be sorry to see Upson
go, and he will clearly be missed, but the rest of the back four has formed
a unit which is defensively secure and, through Murty and Shorey in particular,
provide an additional threat going forward.

Perhaps the main reason that teams find Reading so
hard to break down is the way the whole team competes for the ball. Forster
being the fist line of defence when possession is lost. He never allows
defenders to settle on the ball and with a five man midfield which is
prepared to work hard behind him, the opposition find it hard to build
any kind of pressure.

As early as the first minute Forster slid a great
ball across the Pompey six yard area but no-one could make contact. Portsmouth
played confident and composed football as you would expect and their movement
and precise passing looked as if it might trouble Reading. The Royals
were certainly not over-awed by their opponents, breaking up attacks and
playing their way smoothly out of their own half. On twenty four minutes
Forster came close to opening the scoring with a controlled volley which
flew narrowly wide with Hislop rooted to the spot. A minute later his
pace took him behind the Pompey defence, but with two team mates in great
scoring positions he lashed the ball over. Typical Fozzy - brilliant -
then infuriatingly careless.

Harper was having a superb game. His range of passing
was excellent. His touch, quick movement and strength on the ball meant
he was only caught in possession once, and he rarely wasted a ball. His
work rate as usual was phenomenal and on thirty four minutes he almost
curled in a free kick from an unlikely position wide on the left.

The first half was drifting into a stalemate when
the Royals suddenly burst into life and created a string of openings in
the closing minutes. Foster once again was causing havoc with his pace
and aggression. The best chance fell to Salako who appeared to side-foot
tamely from a tight angle and Hislop caught comfortably. It was a chance
that needed to be driven not placed. Then Murty was released by a great
ball from Williams down the right. One shot was blocked an the move ended
with Shorey hitting the post and the referee blowing for off-side. (Not
sure why!)

Reading carried on where they left after half time.
Pompey had replaced Burchill with Harper presumably to inject a bit of
pace into their attack. The visitors looked dangerous on the counter attack
but when they did create openings their shooting was feeble. Newman's
passing was becoming loose and he was replaced by Watson with just under
half an hour to go. Then about ten minutes later Hughes suffered a similar
fate. His passing had become an embarrassment. I was pleased to see Cureton
on because I felt he was more likely to create something or score than
Hughes, and also because it reflected the belief from the manager that
we could win the game. Pardew even threw Butler on for good measure but
I didn't think that was going to make much difference, but Rougier had
worked hard and was looking weary.

In the closing stages Forster was still causing problems
and was without doubt the liveliest forward on the pitch. Harper was still
hitting great passes and Pompey always looked threatening, but the game
looked destined for a draw. Then perhaps the best chance of the game fell
to Forster who had been switched to the right wing when Butler came on.
Unfortunately when faced with only the 'keeper he lost his head and blazed
his shot high and wide. He should have at least hit he target. If only
he could keep his head in those positions! But then if he could, he would
probably be playing in the Premiership! Reading's parting shot came from
Adie Williams who hit a well directed shot from some distance with his
left foot which was only just wide of Shaka's right post. Now that would
have been the icing on the cake.

FANS' POST MATCH OPINION

ken c

We now know that we need fear no team in this division.
Portsmouth's record so far this season has been outstanding, but today they
came off second best to a Reading team whose only weakness was that they
failed to put the ball in the back of the net. It was a tight game between
two sides who did not want to loose. Whilst Portsmouth had more control
over the football, it was Reading who created the better chances. Hahnemann
had only one cross to deal with whilst the Royal's favourite ex-keeper was
the busier. The fact that he did not have to pick the ball out of the net
was down to us not being clinical enough when we had the chances. In many
ways Forster was the main culprit but to criticise him would be churlish
as it was he who created most of the opportunities that we had. The back
five were magnificent, it was a fitting tribute to Upson that he ended with
another clean sheet. Whilst we might miss him, we should not think about
it in those terms, but look to build on the situation that he has helped
to create. He has been a credit to his profession. I thought that Shorey
was outstanding, his composure and skill on the ball have just gone on developing.
What he needs to do now is to develop his game and confidence when in the
final third. He will then be the complete full back. Murty, too, had an
excellent game.
In midfield Hughes had a disappointing game. In farness he was probably
due one. Unusually for him he gave the ball away too easily and his performance
was in sharp contrast to Harper who was my man of the match. He occasionally
takes the naive option, but today he was superb. The combination of Hughes
and Harper should make our midfield run smoothly for many years to come.
I also thought Solako had a good game. His control of the ball is still
better than anyone else in a blue and white shirt, and he probably delivered
more passes into the box than anyone else. Forster looked sharp after a
quiet opening, and if he didn't get quite so excited when he sees the goal
he would be a Premier league player now.
We have some difficult fixtures coming up and we should look at our league
position more carefully after the Leicester game. Reality tells us that
we will have a slump. We have been lucky with injuries and suspensions so
far this season, but given what has happened to Forster and Butler in the
past, we deserve it. The truth is that Portsmouth have a big lead, but Leicester
could loose players, Norwich have a small squad, and we are as good as anyone
else. Come on URZ make our dreams come true!

andy r

Another great performance all round and I think we shaded
it in just about every position. The back four were excellent again, James
Harper had his best game since he has been here and if Nicky Forster had
had a bit of vision and cut the ball back rather than blazing over on two
occasions I'm pretty sure we would have won. However no real complaints,
another point gained and having played the best team in the league it shows
that we nave nothing to fear from anyone. Bring on Sheffield Utd! Final
point - Matt Upson, your a real star, hopefully we will see you back at
the Mad Stat soon and if its not in a hooped shirt it will be in the Premier
League next season.

woodley royal

As 0-0's go this was as good as it gets, but with such
a tough December coming up we may regret not taking all 3 points as Pompey
were there for the taking today. Despite another solid defensive display
the lack of goals is a worry and the loan striker system at home may need
to be looked at if we are to continue this rich vein of form. Once again
Harper was outstanding and as much as Newman tries I could not understand
why Watson was left out today as he makes things tick in midfield. And please
no more of those rumble things my head is still aching.

nick newbury

Woke up early, well excited, thinking what a day ahead.
Biggest game of the season against Sailor Boys and Newbury gang Christmas
piss up do. In the end both lived up to expectations, but to start drinking
at 11ish and still be standing nearly twelve hours later is indeed testimony
to stamina and staying power the common man, though I'll be the first to
admit I couldn't last the distance!
Like all good things the winning run had to come to an end soon and I thought
yesterdays result all said and done was a fair result. Both teams seemed
happy with the point, with yet again the magnificent Reading defence keeping
a clean sheet and snuffing out the highest scorers in the league. Pompey
looked dangerous in attack with Merson at the heart of most things, but
on reflection it was Reading who had the best chances with Greedy Pig Forster
squandering or wasting most of them. Now I'm a big big Forster fan, but
jesus, he has to look up and pass sometimes, just like the chance in the
last five with Curo begging for a pull back in the six yard box for a simple
tap in. Imagine having Christmas dinner with Nicky Forster, he's so greedy
I bet he grabs all the brussel sprouts and lets the rest of his family have
just one each! You can't score from every angle Nicky but you're still a
star mate, just pass a bit more.
Generally we played well, midfield was lacking a bit with Hughesy having
his occasion mare but yet again Harper had a stormer and continues to get
better every game. Finally the defence, who yet again perform quite simply
magnificently. All five of them were fantastic yesterday with Murty having
a blinder and man of the match Ade Williams quite awesome. Finally Mathew
Upson, nothing to be said really that nobody doesn't know. Bit like saying
farewell to a bloke who over the past months has become a really great mate.
I felt genuinely choked yesterday as we clapped him off the pitch. Yes,
it's going to by nigh impossible to replace him, and who ever does come
in for him is on to a hiding to nothing, but gone he has and this great
season for the club goes on. Thank you Mathew Upson for helping get the
team into the position they are today, you'll be very missed. And this was
the drunken discussion later that night in a very dodgy Reading drinking
establishment as past great Prospect Park players of the likes of Lobby,
Bob the Builder, Big Paddy, Dave Doors and smooth Wes were all slurring
to a man as we argued whether Upson had been the best player to wear the
famous hoops. Most of us thought not, but all agreed he'd certainly been
one of the best. Can't remember much what happened after that! Bring on
the plastic Blades! URZ!!

kevin
worthing royal

So its farewell Matthew Upson. I think it is fair to
say that he has been the most influential loan signing since Marcus Hahnemann.
I wonder if history will repeat itself,and as in the case of Marcus, we
will get our man in the end. Somehow, I doubt it this time, although had
we signed the USA keeper immediately following his loan spell last season,
I doubt we would have stumbled to the runners up spot. We would have won
the league with weeks to spare. Anyway, enough of that, and thanks to Matthew
for a fantastic run in the team over the last three months.
The Pompey game was a credit to the First Division. I thought both sides
were entertaining, and the game could have gone either way. In the end,
I felt a bit cheated that we had only achieved one point against the most
prolific goal scorers in the division. Defensively, I thought Pompey were
suspect, and I wonder whether Linvoy really is Reading til he dies. He certainly
looked dodgy on occasions, and for a spell in the first half, he was totally
in Fozzy's pocket. My man of the match vote went to James Harper. It is
just a shame that his coming of age in the side has corresponded with the
demise of Hughesy. Harps has lost his cockyness, and started to play the
sort of football we all knew he was capable of. His vision is good, and
he is starting to get control of the midfield. Definitely another quality
signing to add to the list.
Good to see Pards trying to win it in the end, by bringing on the forwards,
although had Adie's injury been worse, and he had had to go off, I wonder
what we would have done. No John Mackie, nor Adie Whitbread on the bench,
and with the exception of Watson, all subs were attacking options. Still,
another clean sheet, and a good all round performance. A run of tough games
coming up, but with the current confidence, and real will to get results,
I am sure we can maintain our challenge for the play-offs. URZZZ.

nigel
chippenham royal

Before this game I thought a draw would be a great result...
and so it proved to be... BUT we should've won it. Both Foster and Salako
missed decent chances, and certainly at the close Nicky could have finished
it off. Having said that, it was a terrific performance by Reading, with
a great atmosphere around the ground, and an entertaining game to match.
Star man for me was James Harper. He put in an outstanding midfield performance
for Royals. The defence was solid again, and we all know what debt we owe
Matthew Upson. A big thank you to him, and I hope he is rewarded with a
first team place at Arsenal, he really deserves it, and if things dont work
out, he's more than welcome back with us! Happy Christmas hob nob... and
all Royals fans. We've got some tough games ahead of us into that period...
but confidence has got to be high...

Y24 East

Superb all round Royals performance although Hughesy
and Newman will no doubt be dissappointed with their individual showings.
Back 5 excellent, James Harper pulling the strings in midfield (at last)
and upfront Forster was agin frightening the life out of the Pompey defence.
First half I felt we really had enough chances to have won the game by half
time and the number of times we attacked down our left with Shorey and Salako
combining so effectively convinced me that with more of the same we would
definetly wrap in up in the 2nd half. However it would appear that Harry
Redknapp had sussed this weakness in his own team and the introduction at
half time of Harper for Burchill meant that with a more attacking option
on the right wing Shorey was unable to get forward in the second half.
And there you have it, 2 good teams who are very well drilled in all aspects
of the game effectively cancelled each other out. We must take great comfort
from the fact that over the 90 minutes we had more chances to win the game
and really should not now fear anyone in this league. It was also pleasing
to see that the curse of The Manager of the Month award did not strike.
Bring on the Blades Come on URZs

caversham royal

A deserved point from a tight game. And it could have
even been 3 but for Forster's red-mist in front of goal. With pull backs
to either Hughes in the first or Cureton or Butler in the second half, we
could've been celebrating beating the league leaders. Never mind the sprouts,
I reckon he'd pinch the whole flippin' turkey given the chance! It was good
to see Pardew positive and going for the win by making 3 attacking substitutions
in the second half. But I disagree with one of the reports in that I don't
think he changed tactics to 4-4-2. Cureton seemed to fill role of Hughes
in the space behind Forster (and did it quite well), and later it seemed
Butler took on the role lone front man with Forster switching to the right
of midfield. This leads me to comment on something I've noticed in the last
2 home games which is the player's growing ability to quickly adjust to
different and often unfamiliar roles from game to game, and often within
a match. Against Watford, Pardew started with 4-4-2, then switched to 4-5-1,
making 2 or 3 substitutions in the process. One or two players moved within
the formation; Harper from right to central midfield, Rougier came on to
the left, then later switched to playing just behind Butler with Igoe taking
to the field. In the Pompey match, Cureton played an unfamiliar role behind
Forster, who then switched to the wing when Butler came on. These may not
sound like major switches, but I can remember in previous years just asking
a Reading player to change their socks could easily have caused the entire
shape of the team to crumble. Now it seems we have a squad who are flexible
and confident enough to respond to changes in formation, tactics and their
own individual roles without the balance of the team being disrupted. This
is a credit to both them and the instructions they receive. Pardew's tactics
have often been criticised (by me just as much as the next person), but
this would seem to be yet another aspect of the side that is growing and
maturing. As I've said an awful lot of late, the big test in adapting will
come now Upson has gone with the next few games against some tough teams
crucial. Bring on Sheffield Utd and Asaba, Tommy Burn's biggest mistake.
COME ON......

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